It’s an unenviable position to have to go up against defensive coordinator Brian Flores and his many chess pieces.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) answers questions during a press conference Tuesday, April 29, 2025 in Eagan, Minn. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Just ask young quarterback J.J. McCarthy. There have been stretches throughout training camp at TCO Performance Center that the shapeshifting defense has given McCarthy fits as he has gone through his progressions in the pocket.
Though it’s been a net positive for McCarthy and his development, it’s safe to assume he’s ready to start game-planning for somebody other than his teammates on the other end. That will come soon enough as the Vikings will put a bow on training camp this week before turning the page to Week 1 against the Chicago Bears.
Asked for something about McCarthy that has impressed him, Flores pointed to his mobility when the play breaks down.
“It’s hard to prepare for,” Flores said. “We can do everything right, and he gets out of the pocket and makes a throw. That’s something that he certainly possesses and has shown. If he can unlock that, I think that will give people problems.”
Here are more takeaways from Day 17 of training camp:
How is McCarthy?
There wasn’t much to write home about when analyzing McCarthy’s progress as most of the practice was conducted at a walkthrough pace. He went through his progressions mostly at half speed with head coach Kevin O’Connell looking on.
There was a notable throw during 7-on-7 drills as McCarthy found Thayer Thomas with a layered ball in the back of the end zone. That was probably the best rep for McCarthy because he wasn’t asked to do much else.
Who stood out?
In a situational drill toward the middle of practice, rookie quarterback Max Brosmer got the ball back trailing 24-20, needing to go essentially the length of the field. He proceeded to lead the offense on a methodical drive that ended in a touchdown.
The poise in the pocket stood out as Brosmer made quick decisions that kept the chains moving. After reaching the low red zone, Brosmer finished the job by finding receiver Myles Price with a pinpoint pass at the goal line.
It’s very likely that Brosmer will see a lot of action for the Vikings in the exhibition game against the Tennessee Titans on Friday night at Nissan Stadium in Nashville. That will be his last chance to show he deserves to make the team.
In other news, the Vikings signed running back Xazavian Valladay and offensive guard Zack Bailey, adding depth at both positions ahead of the exhibition game. To make room on the roster, the Vikings waived linebacker Max Tooley.
Quote of the day
“We’re not going to be able to keep all of them, and we understand that. They’ve just got to put their best foot forward day after day after day after day, and they’ll find a place in this league.”
— Flores, on the players jockeying for a spot on the roster as training camp nears an end
Injury report
It was a rather light workload, so that might help explain why a good amount of players were in street clothes on the sidelines. It’s not worth worrying about most absences until a couple of weeks from now when the Vikings start game prep for the Bears.
The continued absence of receiver Jalen Nailor is worth keeping an eye on, however, as his hand injury is something that could linger. If he has to miss an extended period of time, the Vikings might need to address their depth at the position.
What’s next?
It’s hard to believe that the practice on Wednesday afternoon will more or less signal the end of training camp. The next time the Vikings practice after that will be with an eye toward Week 1 against the Bears.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Max Brosmer (12) gives directions to his receiver in the third quarter of a NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025. (John Autey / Pioneer Press)
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